Why Do Basketball Players Lose Their Hair? (5 Reasons)

Are you a basketball player who is going bald?

Losing one’s hair is a common fear for men. It can be traumatic when it starts to thin or recede in patches, and can lead to a loss of self-confidence.

This can be a challenging experience for athletes, as their appearance is always on display.

But why do basketball players lose their hair, and is there anything you can do to prevent it?

The main reasons why basketball players lose their hair is due to a combination of factors, including:

  1. Natural male hair loss due to genetics or age
  2. Diet
  3. Excessive sweating
  4. Headband or cap usage causes hair loss (traction alopecia)
  5. UV damage from outside play

You don’t have to let exercise damage your hair. Read on to find out how to keep it healthy and strong!

Contents

Why Do Basketball Players Lose Their Hair (Why Are They Bald)?

The reality is that many NBA players lose their hair because they are simply men. One study discovered that over 40% of men will experience hair loss by the time they reach the age of 35. 

Male-pattern baldness is a genetic trait, and unfortunately, it happens to all men – even the top physical specimens who play in the NBA.

Nutritional Diet

First, there’s the diet of an NBA player. While most players eat well, some pros eat unhealthy foods, such as pizza and fast food (the main NBA sponsor is Taco Bell). 

Moreover, these foods lack essential nutrients for hair health, such as protein and B vitamins.

Excessive sweating

Sweating is a natural and necessary process that helps to regulate our body temperature. However, excessive sweating can lead to hair loss.

excessive sweating can lead to hair loss

When sweat comes into contact with the hair follicles, it can disrupt the normal growth cycle and cause the hair to fall out.

In addition, sweat is high in salt and lactic acid, damaging the scalp and leading to inflammation. Excessive sweating can also lead to overall dehydration, limiting nutrients essential for healthy hair.

One of the key culprits is DHT, or dihydrotestosterone. DHT is a hormone that arises after your body breaks down testosterone.

After a workout, your body temperature rises, producing more DHT. This increased level of DHT then binds to your hair follicles, making them smaller and causing them to grow thinner, weaker hairs.

Tight Headbands, Cap Usage, Or Hairstyles (Traction Alopecia)

NBA players are particularly susceptible to traction alopecia due to the popularity of headbands and caps. The tight-fitting nature of these styles puts constant pressure on the hair follicles, leading to permanent damage over time.

lebron james with a headband
Image via Keith Allison from Kinston, USA

People who wear their hair in tight headbands, caps, ponytails, cornrows, or dreadlocks are also at risk for traction alopecia.

The constant pulling can damage the hair follicles, resulting in thinning and eventual baldness. While the condition is usually reversible if caught early, it can become permanent if left untreated.

What’s interesting is that Asian players don’t lose their hair as often as players from other ethnicities.

UV damage from playing outside

Anyone who’s ever played hoops outside knows that the harsh UV rays of the sun can be brutal on your skin.

But did you know that it can also cause hair loss?

That’s right – UVA and UVB rays can penetrate deep into the scalp can damage the hair follicles, leading to thinning and even baldness over time.

How to Control Sweat In Hair?

Luckily, you can do a few things to control sweat and keep your scalp clean and healthy.

First, doctors say it’s essential to wash your scalp directly after an intense workout or in humid conditions. Keeping the scalp clean removes sweat, irritants, and bacteria.

Second, consider using oil on your scalp to help control sweat and keep the area clean from toxins. Coconut oil is a great option as it has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Finally, make sure to brush your hair at least twice per week. This will help improve blood circulation and prevent sweat from building up on your scalp.

Why Do Basketball Players Have No Body Hair?

It’s a little-known fact that many professional basketball players prefer to have no body hair. While it might seem like a strange grooming choice, there are actually a few reasons it can benefit athletes.

basketball player with a hair loss

For one thing, shaving helps reduce friction, which can lead to chafing and irritation.

It also makes it easier to apply compression garments and athletic tape, both of which are often used by basketball players to support muscles and joints.

In addition, shaving can help to improve cooling by increasing the surface area exposed to air.

As a result, it’s not surprising that many basketball players choose to shave their bodies to gain a competitive edge.

Why Do Basketball Players Shave Their Heads?

Here’s the main reason NBA players shave their heads: they’re compensating for going bald.

bald basketball player shaving his head
Image via Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA

By shaving their heads, they can maintain a strong, masculine appearance despite losing their hair.

For many NBA players, shaving their heads is also convenient.

Much of their life is spent on the road, and it’s a lot easier to take care of your hair when you don’t have any.

For example, they don’t need to see a barber as often, and they can easily take a shower and shave their head in minutes.

Plus, it can help you stay cool in the hot summer months. But there may be another reason for shaving their heads for some players: they’re trying to stave off baldness.

Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: baldness is a rite of passage for NBA players.

As a suggested, read, check out our article on “Why Do Basketball Players Shave Their Legs“.

Who Are The Best Bald Basketball Players?

Here are three of the best bald basketball players who embraced their chrome domes with style and grace.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the most accomplished basketball players in history.

Kareem Abuld Jabbar

He is a six-time NBA champion, a six-time NBA MVP, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. He is also the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, with more than 38,000 points.

However, Kareem is probably best-known for his unique hairstyle. Unlike most NBA players, who have short hair, Kareem wore his hair in a bald style.

This look became synonymous with Kareem, and it helped to make him one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan exemplifies all that is good about being bald and a baller.

Michael Jordan is one of the most successful athletes in history. He is a six-time NBA champion, a five-time NBA MVP, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist.

Michael Jordan

Yet, despite all of his accomplishments, Jordan is perhaps best known for his signature style: a bald head. Jordan began shaving his head in the early 1990s, and it quickly became one of his most recognizable features.

In addition to making him look more intimidating on the court, the bald head also helped Jordan stand out from the other players in the league.

It was a bold move that iced out his competitors and endeared him to fans worldwide.

Even though he has retired from basketball, Jordan’s bald head remains one of his most iconic looks.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was one of the most successful basketball players of his generation.

During his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he won five NBA championships and was named an All-Star 18 times. He also became one of the league’s most popular players, thanks in part to his distinctive look.

kobe bryant hair loss
Image via Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA

Later in his career, Kobe chose to shave his head bald. This gave “The Black Mamba” a streamlined and intimidating appearance on the court.

In addition to his physical appearance, Kobe was also known for his competitive spirit and dedication to winning.

Does Playing Sports Cause You To Lose Hair?

While there is some evidence to support this theory, the link between sports and hair loss is not as clear-cut as it may seem.

In fact, there are a number of factors that can contribute to hair loss in athletes, including genetics, lifestyle choices, using headgear, how much you sweat, and overall health.

So while it’s difficult to link the direct cause of hair loss to playing sports loss, it could be a contributing factor for some people.

According to some researchers, moderate physical activity may be good for your hair.

One theory is that exercise can help reduce stress levels, which can promote healthy hair growth.

Exercise may also help to improve blood circulation, which can deliver nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles and promote healthy growth.

Finally, exercise can help to improve sleep quality, and sufficient sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.

So the evidence is too convoluted to claim that playing sports causes hair loss. There are simply too many confounding variables to consider.

Who’s The Best Bald White NBA Basketball Player?

Alex Caruso is the best bald white NBA basketball player. The 6-foot-5 combo guard out of Texas A&M is currently in his fourth season in the league with Chicago and has carved out a role as a valuable rotation player.

Here is a highlight reel that displays the impact Caruso makes on the court:

Thanks to his hardworking attitude and down-to-earth personality, he’s a fan-favorite with Bulls fans. And, of course, there’s the fact that Caruso is completely bald.

He became an internet sensation for his bald head, which earned him the nickname “The Bald Mamba.”

Caruso recently partnered with men’s grooming brand Manscaped last December, and he’s become an ambassador for the brand.

While he may not be anointed with the same superstar status as some of his teammates, make no mistake: Caruso is very good at basketball, and he’s only getting better.

Meechie “Bald Head” Terry: The Best Bald Basketball Player In High School

Meechie Terry, otherwise known by his moniker “Bald Head,” is a rising star in the world of Instagram basketball. 

meechie terry bald

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Meechie first gained notoriety for his flashy playstyle and impressive defense. 

His highlights quickly went viral, and he soon began to attract attention from college coaches.

Now Meechie is playing at Cleveland State University, and he’s quickly establishing himself as a premier player within their program.

Hard as it might be to believe, there’s a chance that Meechie Terry could lead his team to the Big Dance. The Cleveland State Vikings have plenty of opportunities in front of them with this talented guard.

Bald Or Receding Hairline NBA Basketball Players Right Now (2022)

There’s no shortage of bald or receding hairline NBA players right now. Just take a look at some of the league’s most prominent players, like LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Both are superstars, but they’re also both dealing with significant hair loss. And they’re far from alone. 

Other notable balding NBA players include Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, and Alex Caruso. Even young stars like Trae Young are starting to show signs of hair loss.

And it’s not just limited to players; some of the league’s biggest coaches, like Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich, are also bald or have receding hairlines.

 

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